Definition

A person or animal that is paired with another in a team, especially in work or labor, similar to a partner or companion.

Example

The farmer worked alongside his yokemate to plow the fields.

Conversation

Have you met my new yokemate at work?

No, I haven't! What's he like?

He's really easy to get along with and we collaborate well.

That sounds great! It's important to have a good yokemate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Yokemate is formed from "yoke" (from Old English "geoc", meaning a wooden beam used to join two animals) and "mate" (from Old English "gemetta", meaning a companion or partner). The word "yokemate" refers to a partner or companion that is joined together with another, much like animals yoked together for work.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'yoke' that joins two animals together, and 'mate' meaning a partner — a yokemate is a partner that is joined together with another.

Visually Confused Words